Driver Of Stolen Car Charged With Manslaughter After Woman Dies In Crash

UNION TOWNSHIP — A 42-year-old Newark man has been charged with aggravated manslaughter after a passenger in the vehicle he was driving died following a crash that occurred while he was allegedly trying to get away from police, authorities said.

At approximately 4:50 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, members of the Union Township Police Department attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop of a Ford F-250 that had been reported stolen out of Newark, Acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park said. The driver of the pick-up truck, later identified by police as David Graham, fled. He subsequently lost control of his vehicle on Rt. 22 East and crashed near the Newark/Hillside border.

The vehicle’s passenger, a female who authorities have not identified, was killed in the crash. Graham allegedly attempted to flee the area on foot, but was apprehended.

Graham was also charged with eluding and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Bail has been set at $650,000 with no cash alternative. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force is continuing their investigation.

These charges are mere accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.